The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is now issuing Korean War and Vietnam War commemorative medals approved by the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
The legislation, signed by the governor prior to Veterans Day in 2022, establishes the New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal and the New York State Korean War Commemorative Medal.
The medals are not for wear on a uniform but were designed and authorized as a way for the legislature to thank veterans of these wars for their service.
The law made the Division of Military and Naval Affairs responsible for designing and distributing the medals.
“On behalf of the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul, we at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs are proud to be able to play a role in recognizing the military service of those who fought in Korea and Vietnam,” said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.
Veterans can apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/. Applicants can use an online firm to request the medals, or they can print out and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be New York State resident now, or have been a New York State resident when they served in Vietnam or Korea, and must provide a digital or paper copy of their Department of Defense Form 214 (DD214) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as proof of military service in Vietnam or Korea.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be award posthumously.
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